Controlled release of orange oil vapour to delay the ripening and mould growth of mangosteens (Garcinia mangostana) using rubberwood sawdust

Abstract

The effect of rubberwood sawdust containing orange oil was evaluated relative to the quality of mangosteens after harvest, transportation, and storage. Orange oil emulsion (500 µl L−1) was added to the rubberwood sawdust as an adsorber and inserted into sachets in different amounts (0 g, 70 g, 140 g, 210 g, and 280 g). Then, each sachet was packed into a corrugated paper box (about 35 L) containing 15 kg of mangosteens, transported for 3 days by truck, and stored at 30 ± 2 °C for nine days. Results showed that the sachet containing 210 g of orange oil absorbent was able to delay the ripening of mangosteens by two stages of the ripening scale and inhibit mould growth. In addition, the overall quality of the treated fruit was good, especially in terms of loss of weight and firmness. Orange oil vapour from the sachet had a high antioxidant capacity that affected the pigment of mangosteen by preventing the degradation of chlorophyll and carotenoids. D-limonene was the main factor that inhibited mycelium growth on the fruit. This finding indicates that rubberwood sawdust containing orange oil in a paper box can be used to improve the quality of mangosteens in the fruit market.